security; and the consolidation of
all business intelligence operations
to improve operating efficiency.

As another sign of PHX’s
commitment to innovation,
the airport also has joined the
Accelerator Airport Partner
Program, which is an opportunity
for leading airports to influence
and drive innovation for the airport
community through the Accelerator.

Phoenix joins a growing list of
airports committed to innovation
that, through their Accelerator
memberships, are well-positioned
to drive cutting-edge innovation at
their facilities and serve as a model
for the entire aviation community.

Oakland Opens First PhaseOf Expanded IAB

Oakland (California) International
has opened the first phase of its
expanded International Arrivals
Building (IAB) in Terminal 1.

Prior to the opening of phase one
of the expanded IAB, international
arrival operations had been
limited to 300 passengers per hour,
the equivalent of one widebody
aircraft. However, with the
expanded facility, approximately
600 passengers per hour can be
accommodated, allowing the
equivalent of two widebody aircraft
to be processed simultaneously, the
airport said. Additionally, the new
space accommodates 16 automated
passport control kiosks, a doubling
of the eight kiosks previously
available.

The project is scheduled for
completion this fall.

FAA To Test Remote Tower AtNorthern Colorado Airport

FAA said it has entered intoan agreement with SearidgeTechnologies to install, test andcertify a remote tower system atNorthern Colorado Regional Airportin Loveland, Colorado.

This announcement is one
of the initial steps toward the
implementation of a test site
for NextGen air traffic control
technology to increase the
efficiency and safety at one of
northern Colorado’s busier general
aviation airports, according to
the agency.

Delta Launches StreamlinedBoarding At Atlanta

Delta announced that it has
launched phase one of a test
program designed to enhance the
gate experience and streamline the
boarding process for customers
at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International’s T Concourse.

As part of the three-month pilot
project, customers will encounter
the following features when
traveling through T1, T2 and
T3 gates:

■ ■ Mobile agent pods that are
modern podiums with a smaller
footprint than traditional gate
counters, opening up space for
more efficient boarding and
additional customer seating.

Jelly, Willa and Brody are new ambassadors
at Asheville (North Carolina) Regional Airport.
These four-legged ambassadors are part of a
new program called “Paws for Passengers,” in
which pet therapy dogs and their handlers will
meander through the airport terminal during
busy times each week. Airport Executive Director
Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., stated, “It is a good fit for
Asheville Regional Airport to have this program
that allows certified pets in the terminal to help
bring some cheer, welcome locals and visitors,
perhaps calm some nerves and provide a unique
passenger experience.” All dogs and handlers
are trained and certified by either Therapy Dogs
Inc. or Pet Partners, both national organizations
committed to training, testing and certification,
regulating, insuring and registering therapy
dogs and their volunteer handlers so they are
prepared to visit public places. The volunteers
have participated in an in-depth airport orientation
and training.